Browns NFL Draft profile: DE Brennan Jackson

Round 6: The defensive line could use another infusion of talented youth

A young guy to provide depth and hopefully get into the rotation is what the Cleveland Browns need. Pass rushers are always needed in the NFL.

Brennan Jackson is a physical player with a good motor, smart, and has no quit. He can rush with both his hands in the dirt and as an overhang stand-up rusher, if you can work with him to develop a better pass rush plan, he can be a solid contributor at the NFL level.

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DE Brennan Jackson

Draft projection: Round 6

Browns pick: #205

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Specifics:

College: Washington State

Height: 6’-4”

Weight: 264 pounds

40-time: 4.69

Career Tackles: 161

Career Forced Fumbles: 3

Career Sacks: 20.5

Career Tackles for Loss: 35

Career Pass Defenses: 8

Career starts: 43

Positives:

1. All-out hustle
2. Excellent point of attack defender
3. Stamina that can play all game
4. Very athletic with good motor
5. Versatile with good speed
6. Has good swim and slide moves
7. Plays with leverage with strong hands
8. Violent hand use
9. Second Team All-Pac-12 2022 & 2023
10. Nagurski Trophy watchlist

Negatives:

1. Often will abandon run responsibilities
2. Struggles against scheme attacks
3. Will take wrong pursuit angles
4. May become a two-down player
5. Inconsistent pressure at times

Expert Draft Site Analysis

FantasyPros.com

Jackson has the size and strength of a strongside edge, but is often trying to win the edge from wide alignments as if he were a speed-rusher. That style of play undermines his run fits and doesn’t seem like an ideal role for him at the pro level, even if he has a more explosive first step and more bend than anticipated. If he’s willing to embrace a more disciplined role, could be a good strongside elephant type in a two-gap scheme. Evaluation involves trying to translate his traits into something different from what he did in school, so a wide range of grades seems possible.